Learning Legacy: A brief history of Pedro Menendez High School

"It looks like a prison," was the popular sentiment felt by nearly every one of the original 1,189 students when they first laid eyes on what was to become their new center for learning.

Yet, within those secure walls of gray and blue, lay the warm community of faculty and staff that made Pedro Menendez more of a launch pad for tomorrow's greatest minds than any prison.

Named for Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles, the first governor of America's oldest city, St. Augustine, our school strives to produce students who continue to make history today.

Be it on the soccer field or in the classroom, Pedro Menendez High School and its students are paving the way for a responsible and civilized tomorrow.

It is hard to imagine MHS standing as anything other than the brilliant beacon of education that is today; however, this was not always so.

Opened on August 28, 2000, Menendez High School was still experiencing growing pains as the inaugural class filled its gleaming halls with laughter. Students complained of incomplete electrical and construction work.

Though these minor inconveniences were a small price to pay given the circumstances in previous years.

Immense overcrowding coupled with overworked teachers made learning at existing but aging facilities in the area difficult at best. Students gladly accepted a bit of dust in exchange for a little breathing room.

The extra space obviously made a tremendously positive impact on the inaugural class. Students excelled in both classes and sports.

Under the supervision of seasoned coaches and backed by the support of an entire school brimming with "falcon pride", Pedro Menedez's athletes continue to turn the high school sports world on its head.

"The Falcon Regiment," Pedro's band, has secured itself a place among the finest bands in the area.

Small class sizes combined with a dedicated teaching staff, makes learning an enjoyable and enriching experience. Guided by "The Menendez Way" -- a slogan adopted to give students a unique moral education -- graduates of MHS enter the work force mature and responsible citizens.

Today we are in the second year of Pedro Menendez's ever-deepening history. Our decisive and attentive principal, Bill Mignon, is guiding the current student body of just over 1,300 in its quest for success. He is aided in this monumental task by vice principals, Mrs. Nancy Little and Mrs. Amanda Garman.

Our mascot, the falcon, is proudly displayed throughout the building along with the school colors, blue and gold. It is hard to miss the building itself as it towers above the surrounding tree tops as a mastadonian achievement of modern engineering.

Those privileged enough to attend this fine facility can rest assured in knowing that we attend the best school in the country for one simple reason; it is ours.

Though young in age, Pedro Menendez High School has the advantage of being the recipient of years of wisdom. The faculty and staffs' brilliance as well as an efficient use of modern technology makes our school superior in every conceivable fashion.

While initially a bit "rough around the edges," MHS was quick to catch up to even the deepest of institutions in this state. This was achieved by developing unique traditions such as our annual carnival and skit night. Such traditions provide students with much needed outlets for their tremendously creative talents.

For these reasons, students continue to flock to its gates every morning to receive what will be the best education available.

Don Pedro Menendez himself would beam with pride knowing his name was connected to such a grand institution.